Landing net holster

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a stabilized belt mounted fish landing net holster for anglers. The holster includes a belt-mounted base to which a cylindrical sleeve, which holds the handle of a landing net, is mounted in a vertical plane when the holster is worn on the belt of an angler or mounted to other gear such as back packs. The holster keeps the landing net secure, out of the way while fishing or walking and is easily withdrawn for use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a landing net holder for anglers, worn by a person while fishing, it secures a landing net to the angler.

Particularly to a stabilized belt mounted landing net holster, which is attached to an angler's belt in the area of their back. The holder keeps the net secure, restricts undesired movement of the net and keeps it out of the way when fishing. It holds the net in a position where it won't easily be caught in bushes or trees while walking and is easily withdrawn for use. The holster also allows the net to be carried without having to wear a fishing vest.

The holster may also be used as a general article carrier to hold items such as fishing rods, flashlights, wading staffs or tools.

Background of the Invention

A Landing net is a net used by an angler to help land a fish that has been hooked. It consists of a net or mesh basket held open by a hoop and a handle. The frames of modern nets are most often made of wood or aluminum while the net itself is most often constructed of woven nylon.

Landing nets are an awkward shape making them cumbersome to carry and fish with. The most common way of carrying one is by suspending it from a loop located at the back of the collar on a fishing vest using a mechanical or magnetic clip attached to the end of the net handle. Thus the landing net hangs handle-up and net-down in the center of a person back from the collar to waist. Though most anglers use this method there are many problems associated with carrying a landing net in this fashion:

Where a mechanical clip is used it's difficult to reach behind your neck to unclip the hook that releases the net and even harder to reattach it.

Using a magnetic clip makes it easier to detach the landing net, but it's difficult to reattach the mechanism when finished.

The net has a tendency to swing from side to side while walking, irritating in its self; it also makes them prone to getting caught in brush and trees. It's such a problem that cables and even magnets are sold to stop this, but it just means more things to have attach and reattach every time it's used.

They often fall over the shoulder and around to the front of an angler when bending down, getting in the way.

The net must be worn with a fishing vest fitted with a loop at the color.

Alternatively, collapsible or folding nets are often carried in bags or pouches, not an alternative for non-collapsible nets. Another method is sticking the handle behind the anglers wading belt handle down in the center of the back. This is uncomfortable and overtime abrades breathable waders where the net contacts the waders causing them to leak.

The object of the present invention is to provide a landing net support, which overcomes the disadvantages referred to above.

Prior Art

There's little prior art that relates directly to belt mounted landing net holders and limited prior art on landing nets carriers in general. Prior art does exist on such items as belt-mounted carriers for guns, batons, flashlights and tools. Though the following art may have similar attributes to the present invention, all have distinct design and material differences. Reference to relevant art follows:

(a) U.S. Pat. No. 1,914,443 represents a holder for a landing net, the general object of the invention being to provide a means for holding a landing net on the clothing or creel strap of a fisherman. In general this invention strives to solve the same problem as the present invention but differs in design and construction. The main difference being that it represents a mechanical clip to hold the net handle and not an adjustable sleeve.

(b) Japanese Pat. No. JP 02-084122 represents a belt-mounted carrier for a landing net. Again, this invention strives to solve the same problem as the present invention but differs in design and construction. The present invention includes a means of adjusting the circumference of the sleeve holding the net handle to receive and secure landing nets of different sizes and or shapes and, this invention does not.

(c) Japanese Pat. No. JP 10-248462 represents a belt-mounted carrier for an electronic fishing device. Again, even though there are some similarities to the cited art, the present invention includes a means of adjusting the circumference of the sleeve holding the net handle to receive and secure landing nets of different sizes and or shapes and, this invention does not.

(d) U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,552 represents “A baton holder for a side handle baton for law enforcement applications”. Once again, the present invention includes a means of adjusting the circumference of the sleeve holding the net handle to receive and secure landing nets of different sizes and or shapes and, this invention does not.

(e) U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,988 represents a combination net holster and fishing creel. It's a bag held by the belt designed to carry a the net handle up with the net in the bag along with fish, not a sleeve holding the handle of the net, net side up.

(f) U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,619 represents a telescoping police baton holder, which comprises of some of the same components of the present invention, but the sleeve holding the baton incorporates a cover member to hold the baton in place, making the inventions significantly different. And again, the present Patent invention includes a means of adjusting the circumference of the sleeve holding the net handle to receive and secure landing nets of different sizes and or shapes and, this invention does not.

(g) U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,212 represents a portable fishing gear holder comprises a single piece of plastic. This device can also hold a landing net, but significantly differs in design and construction. Again, the present invention includes a means of adjusting the circumference of the sleeve holding the net handle to receive and secure landing nets of different sizes and or shapes, and this invention does not.

(h) U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,361 represents another transport device for a landing net. It's another invention that's basically a bag worn like a backpack that the landing net fits into. Not a belt mounted device.

(i) U.S. Pat. No. 7,584,710 represents a method of manufacturing a synthetic holder for use on a duty belt. The present invention has a base member secured to a net cradle member; this invention does not and again is significantly different in design from the present invention.

(j) U.S. Pat. No. 20050145663 represents a modular fishing belt. Again, the present invention includes a means of adjusting the circumference of the sleeve holding the net handle to receive and secure landing nets of different sizes and or shapes and, this invention does not.

(k) U.S. Pat. No. 20060065689 represents a flashlight holster. Even though this invention incorporates some of the same components of the present invention, again he present invention includes “a means of adjusting the circumference of the sleeve holding the net handle to receive and secure landing nets of different sizes and or shapes”. This invention does not.

(l) U.S. Pat. No. 002954909 represents a fishing rod holder. This invention incorporates some of the same components of the present invention, but once again he present invention includes “a means of adjusting the circumference of t the sleeve holding the net handle to receive and secure landing nets of different sizes and or shapes”. This invention does not.

Objects and Advantages

In keeping with the principle of the present invention the landing net holster is unique and technically different from other forms of holsters.

The landing net holster is uncomplicated in design, ergonomic and comfortable to wear. It's versatile; it can be attached and worn with a common waist belt over trousers or on a wading belt over waders and it doesn't have to be worn with a fishing vest. The net is held securely and in a fashion to be out of the way of the angler while fishing and walking while allowing easy access to the net. The positioning of the net also means the netting has little chance of being caught in brush and trees while walking. It's construct of materials that can stand up to the rigors of fishing and is easily maintained.

Therefore the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a stabilized belt mounted landing net holster for use by anglers while fishing in streams, lakes, flats fishing in salt water and the like. The holster may also be used as a general article carrier to hold items such as fishing rods, wading staffs, flashlights, or tools.

The sleeve holding the net handle can be a made of hard plastic tubing, laminates, metal, neoprene or nylon strap and the like. Using hard plastic or semi-rigid multi-laminate type materials helps the landing net handle slid easily in and out of the sleeve, but can makes it uncomfortable to wear while driving between fishing spots. Constructing the sleeve from pliable materials such as nylon strap or webbing allows the sleeve to collapse between the anglers back and the seat, making it comfortable to wear while driving. Either or both types of material may be used depending on the demographics of the angler.

The sleeve holding the net handle is adjustable to accommodate different types and sizes of nets. When the sleeve is constructed of a tube made of rigid materials such as hard plastics or metal its circumference may be made adjustable by slitting the wall of the tube lengthwise from end to end, allowing the tube to expand when a net handle larger than the opening is inserted into the sleeve. Another means is constructing the sleeve in two halves (or quartered, etc). The tube is halved lengthwise and mechanical fasteners such as screws, threaded rod, or webbing coupled to hook and loop materials are used to adjusted and hold the two halves at a desired position. In this case spacers of different sizes of may also be used. When the sleeve is constructed of pliable materials such as nylon webbing in the form of a strap, it will be made adjustable by attaching one of it's ends to the flat side of the support member and rolled upon itself forming a sleeve having two open ends to hold the net handle. How tightly the strap is rolled around the net handle dictates the circumference of the sleeve. One or both ends of the sleeve are held closed using snaps or hook and loop materials coupled to the strap.

Sleeves made of nylon webbing or similar materials maybe fitted with fabric edging, helping the net handle to slide in and out of he sleeve more easily and for esthetics. To avoid the accidental opening the sleeve a secondary (retaining) strap wrapping around the inside of the sleeve and attached to the base assembly can be used.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved landing net holster for anglers.

Summary

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a landing net holster to enable an angler to comfortably and securely carry a landing net while allowing easy access to the net.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a landing net holster that stabilizes the net while walking so that the net doesn't swing from side to side; in a position which gives the netting little chance of catching in brush and trees; or fall across an anglers shoulders while bending over.

It is another object of the invention to provide a landing net holster, which is capable of holding different types and sizes of landing nets and general articles.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a landing net holster that can be securely fastened to different types and sizes of belts, either by treading a belt thru the holster's belt loop(s), or the holster is fitted over or around the belt.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a means of carrying a landing net without having to wear a fishing vest.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a landing net holster which can stand up to the rigors or fishing while being easy to clean and maintain.

In accordance with the above and the other objects of the present invention, which will be discussed in detail below, a belt-mounted landing net holster is provided. The one piece holster is made primary of two members coupled together, a support member that includes a belt loop subassembly for attaching the holster to a belt and a net cradle member in the form of a sleeve for securing the handle of a landing net or carrying other items.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following descriptions.

In any of the following embodiments the three primary members are interchangeable creating a new embodiment: Any cradle member may combine with any support member and any belt loop subassembly may combine with any support member.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the landing net holster in its simplest form includes a support member and a cradle member. The support member is an elongated rectangular tube having two open ends providing a mounting platform for a sleeve assembly and includes a longitudinal pocket for a belt to pass thru. The cradle member is a sleeve formed of an elongated cylindrical tube having two open ends, it's circumference being adjustable. The wall of the sleeve is coupled to the flat side of the support member at its longitudinal center point. A multitude of natural or synthetic, ridged or pliable materials can be used to form the members. Where pliable materials such nylon webbing or neoprene are used to form the support member, the support member will be stiffened with the addition of a semi ridged flat plate approximately the size of the belt loop pocket. This plate will be coupled to the support member on the sleeve assembly side to stabilize and hold the sleeve assembly in a position perpendicular to the belt. The circumference of sleeve member will be adjustable to allow the holster to fit different sizes and or types of nets. Where pliable materials are used to form the sleeve, edging or binding material covering the edges of the openings may be used. A section of spring steel wire that runs along the top and bottom edges of the sleeve may be placed under the edging to help keep the sleeve open while still enables the sleeve to compress. The use of a stiffing means, edging, spring steel wire and the like may be use on any of the following embodiments where pliable materials form the net cradle member, support member and/or the belt loop assembly.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the net cradle member is constructed of Webbing. The webbing forming a strap is attached at one end to the flat side of the support member at its center point and rolled upon itself forming a sleeve having two open ends. How tightly the strap is rolled upon itself and the handle dictates the circumference of the sleeve. One or both ends of the sleeve are held together using hook and loop materials coupled to the strap. The second feature of this embodiment the support member comprises of a base plate made of an approximately rectangular piece of rigid or semi-rigid material like plastic or metal having an inner side secured flush against the belt. The third feature is the belt loop sub assembly, comprised of webbing forming two straps attached perpendicular to the support member towards the ends, forming two belt loops. One end of the straps are attached to the base plate, the straps wrap around the backside of the base forming a belt loop pocket, it then wraps around to the front of the base where mechanical fasteners hold it realizably closed. The use of two separate elongated strap sections allows the holster to be worn over a belt loop located on a persons trousers or waders. The forth feature may comprise a retaining strap that keeps the adjustable sleeve secure and from being accidentally opened. Formed of a strap where one end is attached to the support member behind the sleeve, it passes thru the sleeve in the same orientation as the net handle then wraps to the back of the base plate where it is releasable coupled to the base using hook and loop materials. The use of the retaining strap may be use on any of the embodiments where an adjustable sleeve is used.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, the support member and belt loop subassembly may comprise a single portion of pliable material such as nylon webbing, neoprene, or semi rigid multi laired laminates with fold marks. The center section of the support member forms a base for the sleeve assembly and one side of the belt loop pocket; the top and bottom sections are folded back on themselves covering the belt, forming a longitudinal elongated belt loop. The top and bottom sections forming the belt loop pocket overlap in the back and are closed using mechanical fasteners such as snaps or hook and loop materials. The sections forming the belt loop may not overlap and in this case be held closed with zippers or hooks. As with all embodiments where pliable materials such nylon webbing or neoprene are used to form the support member the support member will be coupled to a semi ridged flat plate member approximately the size of the belt loop pocket to stiffened and make a stable platform for the sleeve member. In other embodiments the stiffening plate member may comprise of hook and loop materials. Any form of the net cradle member may be coupled to this embodiment to form the complete holster.

According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the support member and belt loop subassembly comprise a single piece of pliable material such as nylon webbing, neoprene, or semi rigid multi laired laminates with fold marks which forms the support member and two belt loop straps. The top section having an inner side secured flush against the belt and the outer side forms the support base for the cradle means, this is stiffened with a flat piece of semi-rigid material approximately the same size as the belt loop pocket. The belt loops are comprised of the same piece of material forming the support base, two straps are formed that run perpendicular to the support member and are located towards the ends of the support member. The straps wrap around the back of the support base section and belt, forming two belt loops that are secured at the front of the support base with mechanical fasteners such as hook and loop materials or snaps. The use of two separated elongated strap sections allows the holster to be worn over a belt loop located on a persons trousers or waders.

According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, the support member and belt loop subassembly member are both comprised of rigid or semi rigid materials that sandwich the belt of the angler between them and is held closed by mechanical means such as snaps, screws, or webbing, securing the holster to the anglers belt.

According to a sixth embodiment of the invention, the belt loop subassembly member comprises a standard metal or hard plastic belt clip of the sort most commonly used on tape measures, coupled to the support member, enabling the holster to be worn by clipping it over the anglers belt.

According to a seventh embodiment of the invention, the support member and the belt loop pocket are formed of the same piece of rigid or semi-rigid materials. The base plate material is folded back on itself and the belt along two lateral lines corresponding to the belts top and bottom edges forming four elongated tangs that form the belt loop pocket. There is an approximately three quarters inch space between the top and bottom belt loop tangs forming a belt insertion cutout. There is an open space in each tang directly behind the support member approximately one inch wide. These openings or cutouts enabling the holster to be secured over an angler's belt in the area of a belt loop on the angler's trousers or waders.

According to a eight embodiment of the invention, the support member comprises a base plate constructed of a approximately rectangular or square piece of rigid or semi-rigid materials like plastic or metal and having vertical cutouts on the outer ends of the base plate in which an anglers (wading) belt is treaded thru to secure the holster to the angler. The outer ends of the plate comprising the vertical belt cutouts maybe be off-stetted towards the back side of the holster making it easy to thread a belt thru. Another feature of the base plate in this embodiment is the addition of two vertical cutouts in the base member used to secure the sleeve member to the base member, they are placed either side of the lateral centerline of the base plate and inward of the two belt cutouts in which a sleeve member such as pliable or semi-pliable nylon webbing is treaded thru and supported. This configuration allows for the sleeve member to be secured to the base member with or without the use of mechanical fasteners while still allowing the sleeve member to be adjustable. The sleeve member is wrapped around the net handle and the center section of the base member between the two vertical sleeve member cutouts and held closed with or without the use of mechanical fasteners such as snaps or hook and loop materials. As with all the other embodiments cited in this document, the sleeve member may comprise of any of the afore mentioned sleeve member embodiments and in the case where the sleeve member comprises of solid or rigid materials, or the sleeve member isn't adjustable, the two additional sleeve member cutouts may be eliminated from the base plate.

According to a ninth embodiment of the invention, the sleeve means when constructed of hard plastic type materials comprises two opposing side sockets along the top rim of the sleeve, the diameters of the side sockets and the spacing's between the tangs being selected to receive and resiliently secure landing nets having different shapes and diameters.

According to a tenth embodiment of the invention, the sleeve means comprises a means of pivoting the sleeve means in relation to the base means.

According to an eleventh embodiment of the invention, the sleeve means comprises a means of making releasable the sleeve means from the support means.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed description and appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partly broken away, illustrating the landing net holster fitted to the back of an anglers wading belt and supporting a landing net.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in its simplest form.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment that's comprised of a approximately rectangular rigid base which though wholly flat in the illustrated example, could be slightly curved so as to conform to the curvature of a persons body, and with webbing forming two belt loops and webbing forming the adjustable sleeve member that holds the landing net handle.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the holster illustrating the belt loop pocket.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the holster illustrating the manner in which the adjustable sleeve strap is rolled upon itself creating the sleeve and a view of the sleeve retention strap.

FIG. 3D is a front view of the holster illustrating the straps in an open state.

FIG. 3E is a rear view of the holster illustrating the rigid base plate and the sleeve retention strap connection point. All straps are shown in an open state.

FIG. 3F is a rear perspective view of the holster illustrating the manner in which the belt loop straps are closed around the belt and a releasable attachment point of the sleeve retention strap.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment where the sleeve and base are comprised primarily of pliable materials such nylon webbing or neoprene.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the holster indicating the manner, which the top and bottom sections of the base extending past the belt are folded back on themselves to create the belt loop pocket.

FIG. 4C is a front view of the holster illustrating the base in an open state.

FIG. 4D is a rear view of the holster illustrating the pliable base in an open position and the rigid base plate that stabilizes the sleeve holding the landing net handle.

FIG. 4E is a rear view of the holster illustrating the elongated belt loop pocket in the closed position around the belt.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment where the sleeve and base are comprised of rigid materials and illustrating cut outs in the sleeve to better hold a landing net.

FIG. 5B is a rear view of the holster illustrating the four tangs that form the belt loop pocket, the horizontal belt insertion cut out that allows the invention to be fitted over a belt and the vertical belt loop pocket cut out which enables the invention to be fitted over a belt at the junction of a belt loop.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment where the base is comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid base plate made of metal or plastic where the anglers belt is threaded thru two cutouts in the base to secure the holster to the angler and also illustrating how the sleeve member passes thru two other cut outs in the base, securing it to the base.

FIG. 6B is a top view further illustrating how the angler's belt and the webbing forming the adjustable sleeve member is threaded thru the base plate.

FIG. 6C is a side view of the holster illustrating the sleeve member position.

FIG. 6D is a front view of the holster better illustrating the general layout of the base plate.

FIG. 6E is a rear view of the holster illustrating the base plate and the sleeve.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

6 base 10 sleeve 12 wading belt 14 landing net 16 rigid sleeve 18 pliable sleeve 20 rigid base plate 22 belt loop pocket 24 pliable belt loop section 26 belt loop straps 28 hook and loop materials 30 sleeve socket 32 sleeve tang 34 belt insertion cutout 36 edging 38 sleeve retainer strap 40 pliable base 42 rivet(s) 44 belt loop tang 46 belt loop cutout 48 landing net holster 50 belt slot cutout 52 sleeve slot cutout

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

In describing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

With reference to the drawings, in general, and to FIG. 1 in particular, multi-featured landing net holster #48 embodying the principles of the present invention is generally depicted. The net #14 and wading belt #12 are shown on an anglers back.

The landing net holster in one preferred embodiment FIG. 2 the holster in its most simple form includes a support member and cradle member coupled together. The support member #6 is an elongated rectangular tube having two open ends providing a mounting platform for a sleeve assembly and includes a longitudinal pocket #22 for a belt to pass thru. The cradle means is a sleeve #10 formed of an elongated cylindrical tube having two open ends. The wall of the sleeve is coupled to the flat side of the support member at its longitudinal center point. The landing net handle is depicted by #14 the angler's belt or wading belt is depicted by #12.

Referring to FIG. 3A a perspective front view of the landing net holster in one preferred embodiment, the support member comprises a rectangular piece of flat semi-rigid plastic type material forming a base plate #20 having an inner side secured flush against the belt #12. Another feature of this embodiment the belt loop sub assembly is comprised of webbing forming two straps #26 a and #26 b attached perpendicular to base plate #20 towards the ends forming two belt loops. One end of the straps #26 a and #26 b is attached to the base plate #20, the straps #26 a and #26 b wraps around the backside of the base plate #20 forming a belt loop pocket #22 and then wraps over the base plate #20 to the front where mechanical fasteners hold realizably closed. Another feature of this embodiment shows a means of making the net cradle member adjustable in circumference to accommodate different types and sizes of nets. Webbing forming a strap #18 is attached at one end to the flat side of the support member #20 at its center point and rolled upon its self-forming a sleeve having two open ends. The strap #18 is held closed using hook and loop materials coupled to the strap #18. Edging #36 a and #36 b covering the top and bottom edges of the strap #18 is shown. The holster also comprises a retaining strap #38 for the adjustable sleeve member that is coupled to the base plate #20 at one end then runs thru the strap #18 in the same orientation as the net handle #14 then wraps to the back of the base plate #20 where it is releasable coupled to the base plate #20 using hook and loop materials.

FIG. 3B a side elevation of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3A shows in more detail how the straps #26 wrap around the base plate #20 and belt #12 forming belt loops and belt loop pockets #22. The strap #26 is fastened with hook and loop materials #28 on the front or sleeve member side of the support member. A side view of a portion of the retaining strap #38 and how it passes thru the strap #18 creating the sleeve member is provided.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3A showing the general placement of the belt loop straps #26 s and #26 b relative to the support member base plate #20 and cradle member strap #18, the placement of the retainer strap #38 around the cradle member strap #18 and coupled to the base plate #20 with hook and loop materials #28 a. This figure also shows how the cradle member strap #18 is rolled upon itself and general areas of hook and loop materials #28 b and #28 b.

FIG. 3D is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3A showing how the holster is constructed. Detailing the general shape and the relative placement of the webbing laid open in their pre-rolled or pre-wrapped state. It also shows the general placement of hook and loop materials and the general areas where the straps are attached to the base plate #20. Specifically: the cradle member strap #18 is coupled to the base plate #20 at the base plates center, it has areas of hook and loop materials #28 b and #28 c covering opposite sides of both ends, the strap #18 also comprises edging #36. The belt loop assembly comprising webbing formed as straps #26 a and #26 b wrap around the front of the base plate #20 at each end, strap #26 a has areas of hook and loop materials #28 a and #28 d covering opposite sides of the strap at it's ends. The placement and attachment point of the adjustable sleeve retainer strap #38 is shown, as well as an area of hook and loop materials #28 e. Placement of the two rivets #42 b that secure the belt loop strap #26 a are shown as well as the four rivets #42 c that secure the sleeve retention strap #38.

FIG. 3E is a rear elevation view of FIG. 3D detailing the support means which is formed of a rectangular piece of flat, semi-rigid plastic forming the rigid base plate #20. Detailing the attachment points for the belt loop straps #26 a and #26 b and the areas of hook and loop materials #28 a, #28 b, #28 c, and #28 d.

Referring to FIG. 3F a perspective rear view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3A showing how the belt loop straps #26 a and #26 b are wrapped around the base plate #20 forming belt loops. It also identifies the releasable attachment point of the retaining strap #38 comprising of a patch of hook and loop materials #28 b. A partial view of the inside of the net cradle sleeve strap #18 is provided.

Referring to FIG. 4A perspective front view of the landing net holster in one preferred embodiment, the support member and belt loop subassembly comprise a single portion of neoprene. The center section of the support member forms a base #40 for the pliable sleeve #18 and one side of the belt loop pocket; the top and bottom sections #24 a and #24 b are folded back on themselves covering the belt #12, forming a longitudinal elongated belt loop. The top and bottom sections forming the belt loop pocket #24 a and #24 b overlap in the back and are closed using mechanical fasteners such as snaps or hook and loop materials. The edges of the base #40 are covered with edging #36 a. In this embodiment the net cradle sleeve #18 is non-adjustable and made of pliable materials with edging #36 b & #36 c.

FIG. 4B a side elevation of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4A shows in more detail how the pliable belt loop sections #24 a and #24 b wrap around the base plate #20 forming an elongated belt loop and the corresponding belt loop pocket #22. The two elongated belt loop sections #24 a and #24 b are fastened with areas of hook and loop materials #28. A side view of the semi-rigid base plate #20 is shown along with a side view of the net cradle sleeve #18.

FIG. 4C is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4A showing how the front side of the holster is constructed. The support member base #40 is laid open and flat before the top and bottom pliable belt loop sections #24 a and #24 b are folded back creating the belt loop pocket. It shows the general location of the hook and loop materials #28 that run laterally along the bottom section of the #24 b and the general placement of the net cradle sleeve #18. The rivets #42 a, #42 b, #42 c and #42 c that couple the base support plate to the base #40 are shown.

FIG. 4D is a rear elevation view of FIG. 4C detailing the general location of the semi-rigid base plate #20 coupled to the pliable base assembly #40. It also details the location of the rivets #42 e and #42 f that couple the base support plate #20, the base #40 and the net cradle together. The hook and loop materials #28 that run laterally along the top section of the #24 a are shown.

FIG. 4E is a rear elevation view of FIG. 4A showing the belt loop sections #24 a and #24 b in their closed position, around a belt #12.

Referring to FIG. 5A a perspective front view of the landing net holster in one preferred embodiment, the support means and the net cradle means are formed of the same piece of semi-rigid material like plastic or metal. The top and bottom sections of a rectangular piece of material #20 are folded back on itself and the belt #12 along two lateral lines corresponding to the belts #12 top and bottom edges. This forms the base support #20 for the sleeve #16 on one side and the tangs #44 a and #44 b that form the belt loop pocket on the other. The hard sleeve #16, is made of hard plastic tubing with two open ends and comprises of two opposing side sockets #30 a and #30 b and two opposing tangs #32 a and #32 b along it's top edge creating two pockets to help secure the landing net.

FIG. 5B is a rear elevation view of FIG. 5A detailing the general shape and layout of the four belt loop tangs #44 a, #44 b, #44 c and #44 d, the belt insertion cutouts #34 a and #34 b and the belt loop cutouts #46 a and #46 b.

Referring to FIG. 6A a perspective front view of the landing net holster in one preferred embodiment, the support means is comprised of a rigid base plate #20, formed of a piece of rigid or semi-rigid material like plastic or metal. A wading belt #12, is threaded thru two belt slot cutouts #50 a and #50 b, in the base plate #20. The net cradle means #18, is formed of semi-rigid pliable nylon webbing which is threaded thru two vertical sleeve slot cutouts #52 a and #52 b, securing the sleeve#18, to the base plate #20.

FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6A showing how the wading belt #12, and the cradle member strap #18, are threaded thru the base member #20. It also details how the adjustable cradle member strap #18, is formed into an elongated tube and the hook and loop materials #28, that releasable holds its size.

FIG. 6C a side elevation of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6A which shows in more detail how the cradle member strap #18, is threaded thru the base plate #20.

FIG. 6D is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6A showing the base member #20, without the sleeve member in order to show in more detail the general layout of the belt slot cutouts #50 a and #50 b, the sleeve slot cutouts #52 a and 52 b, and the belt insertion cutouts #34 a and 34 b.

FIG. 6E is a rear elevation view of FIG. 6A detailing the back of the holster with the sleeve member #18, the belt slot cutouts #50 a and #50 b and the two belt insertion cutouts #34 a and #34 b.

One or more of the various advantageous features of the present invention may be incorporated into the landing net holster for beneficial results. These features provide benefit individually as well as collectively to produce a landing net holster.

The foregoing description should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A landing net holster for anglers comprising: (a) base means; (b) landing net retention means coupled to the base means; (c) said landing net retention means including sleeve means for receiving and holding the handle of the landing net; (e) said landing net sleeve means is an open-ended elongated tube portion; (d) said landing net sleeve means including a means of adjusting the circumference of the sleeve means allowing the sleeve means to receive and secure landing nets of different sizes and or shapes.
 2. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sleeve means is comprised of a webbing member secured to the base means.
 3. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 2 wherein the circumference of the sleeve means is adjustable depending upon where the two ends of the sleeve means are attached when wrapped around the handle of the net, allowing the holder to receive and secure landing nets of different shapes and sizes.
 4. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 2 wherein the webbing member comprises mechanical fasteners such as patches of hook and loop materials or snaps that releasable couple the two ends of the strap together.
 5. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 2 wherein the webbing member comprises edging materials coupled to the outside edge of the webbing.
 6. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 1 comprises a retaining strap that passes thru the sleeve member in the same orientation as the net handle and is coupled to the base means at both ends, stabilizing the sleeve.
 7. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 6 wherein the retaining strap comprises mechanical fasteners such as areas of hook and loop materials or snaps that releasable secure the strap to the base means at one or both ends of the strap.
 8. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sleeve means is formed of an rigid elongate tube portion, comprises a slit cut in the tube wall which runs the length of the tube, allowing the tube to expand when an object larger than the opening is inserted into the tube which allows the holder to receive and secure landing nets of different shapes and sizes.
 9. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sleeve means is formed of an rigid elongate tube portion, is comprised of separate elongated sections of tube wall, coupled together to create a desired shaped and sized tube portion, made adjustable and coupled together using spacers and mechanical fasteners such as screws, threaded rod, or webbing coupled to hook and loop materials.
 10. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 9 wherein the top section of the tubing is comprised of two opposing tangs forming two side sockets along the top rim of the sleeve; the diameters of the side sockets and the spacing's between the tangs being selected to receive and resiliently secure landing nets having different shapes and sizes.
 11. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base means is comprised of rigid or semi rigid materials shaped to form a rectangular elongated tube portion with two open ends, where said rectangular elongated tube portion becomes the base for the sleeve means and a elongated belt loop that encompasses the belt.
 12. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 11 wherein the section of the rectangular elongated tube portion creating the belt loop has a cut out running along the lateral line so that a belt may be inserted into the belt loop pocket lengthwise.
 13. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said base means comprises of a approximately rectangular or square piece of flat, rigid or semi rigid material(s) such as plastic or metal coupled to a belt loop assembly means wherein the belt loop assembly means is comprised of pliable material(s) such as nylon webbing that form belt loop(s) members that releasably encompass the belt.
 14. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 13 where the said belt loop members are coupled to the base at one end, with the opposite end being releasable coupled to the base means with mechanical fasteners such as snaps and hook and loop materials.
 15. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base means is comprised of a pliable material(s) coupled to a rigid stabilizing plate member which stiffens and stabilizes the base means allowing the base means to securely hold the sleeve means.
 16. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said base means comprises of a approximately rectangular or square piece of flat, rigid or semi rigid material(s) such a plastic or metal forming a base plate where said base plate comprises a vertical cutout on both outer ends of the base plate where in a persons belt is treaded through the cutouts to secure the holster to the person.
 17. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 16 where the outer ends of the said base plate comprising the two vertical belt cutouts are offset towards the back side of the holster making it easier to thread a belt through.
 18. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 16 where the outer ends of the said base plate comprising the two vertical belt cutouts is formed with a further two cutouts which are positioned one each end of the base plate between the vertical belt cutouts and the outside edge of the base plate allowing alternative access for a belt or strap into the vertical belt cutout area.
 19. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 16 where said base plate is formed with two vertical cutouts positioned one each side of the lateral center line of the base plate and inward of the two vertical belt cutouts, which allows a sleeve member to be treaded through the cutouts supporting and stabilizing the sleeve member.
 20. Landing net holster as claimed in claim 1 comprises of an attachment means that couples the support means, net retention means, stabilizing means and belt attachment means together 